Stream It or Skip It: 'Subservience' on Netflix, with Megan Fox Playing a Sex Doll

Megan Fox may not be the hottest name in Hollywood films anymore, but she's carved out a profitable and occasionally fun niche as a lead in B-movies. In "Subservience," she embraces her former pin-up persona, playing a seductive robotic assistant who becomes unnervingly attached to the family she serves. Does the film play along with its own ridiculousness, or is it just another cringe-worthy direct-to-video project?

SUBSERVIENCE: WATCH IT OR PASS ON IT?

Overview: Nick (played by Michele Morrone, the heartthrob from Netflix’s 365dni) is in a jam. As a construction worker navigating an increasingly digital future, he’s also responsible for caring for his children full-time while his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) undergoes extended treatment for a heart condition. Fortunately, as humanity becomes less central, helper androids become more affordable and accessible. Before long, an unnervingly appealing robot named Alice (Megan Fox) steps in to assist with household tasks and even parenting duties. However, once Maggie returns home, Alice begins to display possessiveness over "her" family, especially her bond with Nick. Think of Subservience like M3GAN with a twist of Fox.

What Will It Bring to Mind?: Honestly, it might bring countless things to mind! Aside from the clear connections to M3GAN, it's essentially a sci-fi take on the ‘90s psychological thrillers featuring strong female leads, much like The Hand That Rocks The Cradle or Fatal Attraction.

A Performance to Watch: While she isn’t the main character, this film is truly driven by Megan Fox. It hasn’t always been easy for her to find the right roles that suit her unique style since the underrated *Jennifer’s Body* didn’t perform well. However, director S.K. Dale, who previously worked with her on the entertaining *Till Death*, recognizes that her sometimes emotionless delivery can actually be beneficial. Fox seems to embrace her public persona, having a bit of fun with it as she gradually reveals her inner Terminator—specifically, the villain from the first movie, but convinced she resembles the protector from *T2*.

Unforgettable Expression: Forget about witty one-liners; just check out the expression on Maggie’s face when she sees her family’s new assistant for the first time.

Intimacy and Appearance: Just to give you a heads up, Nick and Alice do end up together, but the scene is portrayed in a more subtle way. It shows Alice taking advantage of Nick during a vulnerable time, even going so far as to blindfold him and using Maggie’s voice to comfort him, instead of presenting it as Nick genuinely wanting to be with the Foxbot. And yes, you do catch a glimpse of Megan Fox’s backside. It seems the robot still wears her bra during their encounter, likely because she's familiar with many Hollywood films.

Our Thoughts: First off, let's be honest: Subservience doesn't quite reach the unexpected charm of Till Death, the previous collaboration between Fox and Dale. (Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of a fruitful partnership, considering his clear passion for creating entertaining B-movies that fit her unique style.) The earlier film transformed from what seemed like a dull domestic drama into an engaging and well-executed thriller set in a limited space; however, Subservience, with its captivating concept and the return of its leading star and director, comes with higher expectations. This naturally opens the door to potential disappointment. There are moments when the film feels like it could amp things up a notch—more tension, a touch of the bizarre, or a bit more energetic pacing. On the flip side, Subservience exceeds what we might typically anticipate from a movie titled “Megan Fox as a boring guy's robot servant.” It’s a sleek and entertaining sci-fi thriller that explores the dangers of automation, and it benefits from having a well-known figure at its core. It serves as a reminder that, despite her less notable films and public persona, Fox possesses a certain self-aware charisma.

Our Recommendation: If you’re looking for a sci-fi B-movie experience, go ahead and watch it. Just be aware (unlike Nick) of what to expect!

Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is an author based in Brooklyn. He frequently writes for outlets like The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others. Additionally, he hosts a podcast at www.sportsalcohol.com.

Check out "Subservience" on Netflix.